People will get the rare chance to hear from a range of energy developers in the same room in what is being described as Shetland’s first collaborative engagement session on future projects.
Representatives of SSEN Transmission, SSEN Distribution, Statkraft, Veri Energy and Stoura will be present at Mareel in Lerwick on Tuesday 9 September between 3pm-7pm.
The drop-in event is designed to bring together developers, network operators and the local community for open discussions about the islands’ energy future.
The event, coordinated by SSEN Transmission, follows feedback from communities and stakeholders calling for a more joined-up approach to how Shetland’s energy landscape could develop in the years ahead.
Stakeholders asked for more information not just on SSEN Transmission’s proposed infrastructure, but also on the plans of other developers.
SSEN said attendees will have the opportunity to:
- Hear high-level overviews of proposed projects across Shetland, ahead of more detailed public consultations later this year.
- Speak directly with project teams and ask questions about their plans.
- Share feedback that will help shape how projects are developed and delivered.
- Find out about upcoming engagement sessions for individual projects.
SSEN Transmission lead project manager Alan Kelly said: “As a stakeholder-led business, the feedback we receive is crucial in shaping how we deliver our work – and one thing that was consistently heard was that the people of Shetland wanted a clearer picture of both our own proposed projects and the wider development plans for Shetland, and this session is designed to provide exactly that.
“Ongoing engagement with local communities is crucial and we will always work to address local concerns and suggestions, wherever we can. We would encourage everyone to come along, hear about the proposals, and share their views.”
Douglas Irvine, Shetland Islands Council’s future energy manager added: “The council has asked for more collaboration on public engagement as these multiple projects are being planned.
“It is far more useful to see the fuller energy development picture being presented in one room so that people can get a better understanding of the interaction between projects and the connecting infrastructure.”
SSEN will be represented at the event by its companies which deal with the transmission and distribution of electricity.
Statkraft meanwhile holds consent for three onshore wind farms in Shetland – Mossy Hill, Beaw Field and Energy Isles – and has plans for a hydrogen facility at Scatsta.
Veri Energy is a subsidiary company of EnQuest which is overseeing the energy transition at Sullom Voe Terminal.
Stoura is an offshore wind farm planned to the east of Shetland, developed by Irish firm ESB.
